Housing developers are using a legal loophole to dodge building affordable homes across the countryside, according to data analysed together for the first time by Shelter and CPRE

CPRE discovered something really alarming. Developers are using a legal loophole to slash the number of affordable homes they deliver in rural areas.

The research is released ahead of a speech on Monday 5 March by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when he is expected to outline reforms to national planning rules.

The new report, produced in partnership with Shelter, shows that when this loophole is used, half of the affordable homes required by councils are cut from rural housing developments.Where development does happen in rural areas, it must meet the needs of local people - not just lead to an easy sell for developers at the expense of our precious countryside.

If rural areas are to thrive, then the provision of affordable housing is an absolute necessity. Otherwise, individuals and families will continue to be priced out and forced to move away, leading to the loss of services that are vital in supporting communities, such as schools, post offices and pubs.